Model engine mechanic vs mechanical designer

The differences between model engine mechanics and mechanical designers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a model engine mechanic and a mechanical designer. Additionally, a model engine mechanic has an average salary of $76,923, which is higher than the $62,541 average annual salary of a mechanical designer.

The top three skills for a model engine mechanic include C++, linux and LS-DYNA. The most important skills for a mechanical designer are mechanical design, revit, and auto cad.

Model engine mechanic vs mechanical designer overview

	Model Engine Mechanic	Mechanical Designer
Yearly salary	$76,923	$62,541
Hourly rate	$36.98	$30.07
Growth rate	2%	2%
Number of jobs	69,146	65,748
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Associate Degree, 51%
Average age	41	41
Years of experience	6	6

What does a model engine mechanic do?

A model engine mechanic repairs and deals with small engines that power machinery such as lawn mowers, chain saws, or recreational sporting equipment. They are responsible for diagnosing, adjusting and repairing machinery. They are also responsible for performing routine machinery maintenance, lubricating parts, reinstalling parts, and interacting with the client to explain equipment issues. For this position, they need a mechanics certification.

What does a mechanical designer do?

A mechanical designer is responsible for designing mechanical equipment and devices, together with the engineers and other technology professionals. Mechanical designers create layouts following the clients' specifications, perform structural analysis, and analyze dimensions to ensure quality. They also inspect overall equipment performance and recommend adjustments as needed to improve its quality and boost optimization. Mechanical designers assist with installation and system upgrades, respond with the clients' inquiries and concerns, and escalate it to the appropriate personnel for resolution. A mechanical designer must have a strong knowledge of the mechanical and technology industry to build designs according to the highest standards.

Model engine mechanic vs mechanical designer salary

Model engine mechanics and mechanical designers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Model Engine Mechanic	Mechanical Designer
Average salary	$76,923	$62,541
Salary range	Between $56,000 And $105,000	Between $46,000 And $83,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	Massachusetts
Best paying company	Cornerstone Research	Apple
Best paying industry	Technology	Energy

Differences between model engine mechanic and mechanical designer education

There are a few differences between a model engine mechanic and a mechanical designer in terms of educational background:

	Model Engine Mechanic	Mechanical Designer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 56%	Associate Degree, 51%
Most common major	Mechanical Engineering	Drafting And Design
Most common college	Carnegie Mellon University	Carnegie Mellon University

Model engine mechanic vs mechanical designer demographics

Here are the differences between model engine mechanics' and mechanical designers' demographics:

	Model Engine Mechanic	Mechanical Designer
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 77.6% Female, 22.4%	Male, 89.1% Female, 10.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 3.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 16.1% White, 67.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%	Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 10.5% White, 72.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	5%	5%

Differences between model engine mechanic and mechanical designer duties and responsibilities

Model engine mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage automation projects including purchasing, scheduling fabrication and assembly, debugging, and delivery to customer.
Provide fundamental understanding of thermoacoustic mechanism and assistance to device prototyping design of glass incorporating thermoacoustics.
Develop the flow of the accurate timing model for Verilog simulations for more accurate simulations results using SiliconSmart and PrimeTime.
Develop the flow of the accurate timing model for Verilog simulations for more accurate simulations results using SiliconSmart and PrimeTime.

Mechanical designer example responsibilities.

Work with JPL / NASA packaging and fabrication engineering leads (on-site).
Manage documentation of existing projects, perform ECN resolutions.
Produce REVIT models for the mechanical department o HVAC sheet metal and HVAC piping.
Develop company's AutoCAD customize menu, prepare cad department logistics, organize and staff cad department.
Apply mechanical engineering design and manufacturing expertise to develop MR and XR medical imaging devices utilizing AutoCAD.
Experience with ASME and ANSI codes.

Model engine mechanic vs mechanical designer skills

Common model engine mechanic skills

C++, 29%
Linux, 14%
LS-DYNA, 9%
Prototyping, 5%
In-House, 5%
CATIA, 4%

Common mechanical designer skills

Mechanical Design, 8%
Revit, 7%
Auto CAD, 6%
HVAC, 5%
Engineering Drawings, 4%
Creo, 4%

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Model Engine Mechanic vs Mechanical Designer

Updated January 8, 2025

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